In a statement released (Monday) evening, Tom Vinger, a spokesman for the Texas Department of Public Safety, said an investigation of Crockett Keller has been closed after Keller “affirmed that he would not refuse instruction to anyone based on national origin, race or religion.”

“DPS will have no additional comment at this time,” Vinger said.

Keller, the owner of Keller’s Riverside Store in Mason, told the Houston Chronicle he initially got calls of support and solidarity over the radio spot, which said “If you are a socialist liberal and/or voted for the current campaigner-in-chief, please do not take this class. You have already proven that you cannot make a knowledgeable and prudent decision as under the laid. Also, if you are a non-Christian Arab or Muslim, I will not teach you the class.”

He was unashamed of his remarks, but Muslim groups across the country, including the Council on American-Islamic Relations in Texas, have spoken out against his discrimination policy.

“In the eyes of many, Texas has proven itself to be the prejudiced simpleton of the South, wielding weapons and name-calling a minority. From the legacy of questionable politicians cum president (and potential president) to the presumed regard that Texas should be an independent republic, the most damaging stereotype is that of the racist Texan,” the student wrote. “Though not true of all Texans, this stereotype continues because of a lack of sufficient condemnation of discriminatory language or actions.”

Yes, Keller can easily be written off as a small-town guy with a small-town mindset regarding religious and racial diversity, but the other incidents were right here in Houston, one of the biggest, most diverse cities in the country, that happens to be home to a huge Muslim community. And still, a bunch of us are happy to “play cowboys and Iranians” while we enjoy some barbecue or applaud activists who go on and on about how Islam is a threat to the American way of life.

Is this an actual issue or another time when Texas is falling victim to a Southern stereotype?